National Center for Transgender Equality Action Fund

John,

This is too important not to share again. In the first seven months of
2020, we lost more trans siblings to violent murders and abuse than in
all of 2019. Every single one of the 28 trans people whose lives were
cut short had stories. Each had futures, plans, and goals. They were
loved, looked up to, and cherished by those who cared about them.

That's why we have been sharing their stories on social media
this week.

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We wanted to show the public the bright lights that were dimmed due
to discrimination and hate. We had to share what made them who they
were, so we will never forget them.

We will honor each of their memories by continuing the fight against
discrimination in all forms. Will you share their stories so everyone
can see what is lost when hate prevails?

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Sincerely,
Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Deputy Executive Director for
Policy and Action
Date: Mon, August 10, 2020 at 2:40pm
Subject: We've Passed a Grim Milestone

John,

  
There is no easy way to say this, so we'll just come right out
-- our community is facing an epidemic of violent murders that has
alarmingly increased in recent months, especially against transgender
Black and Latina women. Now we passed a grim milestone. In the first
seven months of 2020 alone, at least 28 transgender people were
murdered. That is more than the known trans people murdered in all of
2019.

In 2019, an incomprehensible 26 of our trans family members were
killed. And that's only the murders that we know about. The
actual toll is probably higher. With four more months ahead of us in
2020, already passing those losses leaves our hearts aching to think
of how many more bright, loving trans people will be lost to violence
before the year is out.

It is up to us to do everything we can to stop this violence-- educate
the public, advocate for change in government, and lift the voices of
the most marginalized to demand equality. Stemming the violence
against transgender people requires so many radical changes: increased
access to safe, affordable housing, policies that protect transgender
people from discrimination and increase economic opportunity, the
decriminalization of sex work, ending cash bail, and more.

remembrance-tw.png

It is also our responsibility to remember those we have lost. Each of
their stories are important. Twenty-three of the beautiful people lost
were transgender women, four were transgender men, and one was
non-binary. Each had dreams, goals, and plans. Each had friends and
family who loved them, endless aspirations, and unmet potential. Our
whole community is diminished because of their loss.

This epidemic of violence is particularly pronounced for Black and
Latina trans women who are marginalized, stigmatized, and criminalized
in our country. They face violence every day, and they fear turning to
the police for help. This crisis demands change to transform policing
and hold police departments accountable for their failure to protect
transgender people. But reforms must go even further to disrupt the
systemic racism and transphobia that push so many transgender people
of color into vulnerable situations, shut out of stable housing,
secure jobs and loving homes. No one should be forced to live in fear.

In this moment, we must remember the victims of these violent attacks,
honor their memories and demand justice.

Dustin Parker, McAlester, OK
Alexa Neulisa Luciano Ruiz, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Yampi Méndez Arocho, Moca, Puerto Rico
Monica Diamond, Charlotte, NC
Lexi, New York, NY
Johanna Metzger, Baltimore, MD
Penélope Díaz Ramírez, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Layla Pelaez Sánchez, Humacao, Puerto Rico
Serena Angelique Velázquez Ramos, Humacao, Puerto Rico
Nina Pop, Sikeston, MO
Helle Jae O'Regan, San Antonio, TX
Tony McDade, Tallahassee, FL
Dominique "Rem'mie" Fells, Philadelphia, PA
Riah Milton, Liberty Township, OH
Jayne Thompson, Mesa County, CO
Selena Reyes Hernandez, Chicago, IL
Brayla Stone, Sherwood, AR
Merci Mack, Dallas, TX
Shaki Peters, Amite City, LA
Bree "Nuk" Black, Pompano Beach, FL
Summer Taylor, Seattle, WA
Draya McCarty, Baton Rouge, LA
Tatiana Hall, Philadelphia, PA
Marilyn Cazares, Brawley, CA
Tiffany Harris, The Bronx, NY
Quesha D. Hardy, Baton Rouge, LA
Brian "Egypt" Powers, Akron, OH
Aja Raquell Rhone-Spears, Portland, OR

Please join us in honoring them, and fighting for a safer future.

Sincerely,

Rigo Photo.jpg

Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen
Deputy Executive Director for Policy and Action
National Center for Transgender Equality



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